Preservation Chicago Puts Washington Park's Historic South Park Terrace on 2026 Most Endangered List — Sparking Neighborhood Hope

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Washington Park · March 13, 2026

A landmark piece of Washington Park's architectural history is getting a powerful new advocate. Preservation Chicago has placed the South Park Terrace apartment building at 6116 S. King Drive on its prestigious — and urgent — 2026 Chicago 7 Most Endangered Buildings list, shining a national spotlight on a century-old gem that deserves far better than its current fate.

Designed in 1905 by architect Harry Hale Waterman, the South Park Terrace is a striking example of early 20th-century South Side residential architecture. The building's owner, 6116 MLK LLC, operating out of New York, has allowed the property to fall into serious disrepair through prolonged neglect. Preservation Chicago is now calling on the City of Chicago to take meaningful action — specifically requesting that a sister agency like the Chicago Housing Authority step in to acquire, repair, and restore the property to its former glory.

For Washington Park residents, the inclusion on Preservation Chicago's annual endangered list is more rallying cry than obituary. Since 2003, the list has helped save numerous historic structures by galvanizing community advocates, elected officials, and preservation groups into action. With King Drive as the neighborhood's cultural spine, saving South Park Terrace would be a landmark win for the entire corridor. Residents who want to champion this cause are encouraged to reach out to Preservation Chicago directly at preservationchicago.org, or bring the conversation to the Washington Park Advisory Council's monthly meeting, held the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/03/04/chicagos-most-endangered-buildings-2026-yukon-building-labor-union-halls-and-south-side-apartments/